The nose art on the Memphis Belle was among the most iconic of the entire second World War. Photo from Nigel Musgrove, flickr
The Story of a WWII Icon
Our first “blast from the past” is the iconic nose art from the Memphis Belle. Belle was one of the first B-17s to complete 25 combat missions over Europe without losing a single crew member to enemy action.
Because of all the publicity Belle received, many don’t realize that she was not the first B-17 to complete the 25-mission milestone. That honor goes to a B-17 from the 303rd Bomber Group that went by the name “Hell’s Angels.” She completed her 25th mission just days before the Memphis Belle.
The crew of “Hell’s Angels” (and numerous other members of the 303rd) pose with the historic aircraft.
After completing its combat missions, the Memphis Belle toured the United States to boost morale and promote war bonds. The nose art, in conjunction with the aircraft’s remarkable service record, turned the Memphis Belle into a wartime legend.
The Inspiration for the Artwork
The heavy bomber was named after pilot Robert K. Morgan’s sweetheart, Margaret Polk, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. The nose art itself was inspired by a 1941 George Petty illustration in “Esquire” magazine. The original art on the Belle featured a seductive young woman dressed in a blue bathing suit, gracefully perched on her right leg. This artwork became synonymous with the aircraft and was a symbol of pride for the crew.
Robert Morgan stands in front of the Memphis Belle with Margaret Polk. Image courtesy of the Preservation and Special Collections Department, University Libraries, University of Memphis
Seeing Red
Yes, I realize in our featured image the Belle is wearing a red bathing suit. Originally, it was indeed blue when it first appeared on the aircraft. However, the color was changed to red when the plane was restored for display. The reason for this alteration is not entirely clear, and there’s no widely accepted or documented explanation for the color change.
It could be that the change was a result of an incorrect restoration or a decision made for aesthetic reasons. Some have speculated that the color change might have been made to make the artwork more visually striking or to more closely match a different version of the original Petty illustration.
Here is a detail from the original piece of art of a “Petty Girl” featured in the April 1941 edition of Esquire magazine. The title of this piece is, “I’m the one with the part in the back.”
The Original War Department Documentary
To shine some positive light on the war effort, The U.S. War Department sent Hollywood director William Wyler to create a documentary about the Memphis Belle, focusing on its 25-mission milestone. This brought the aircraft and its crew significant fame, overshadowing other B-17s that had achieved the same feat.
The Story of a WWII Icon
Our first “blast from the past” is the iconic nose art from the Memphis Belle. Belle was one of the first B-17s to complete 25 combat missions over Europe without losing a single crew member to enemy action.
Because of all the publicity Belle received, many don’t realize that she was not the first B-17 to complete the 25-mission milestone. That honor goes to a B-17 from the 303rd Bomber Group that went by the name “Hell’s Angels.” She completed her 25th mission just days before the Memphis Belle.
The crew of “Hell’s Angels” (and numerous other members of the 303rd) pose with the historic aircraft.
After completing its combat missions, the Memphis Belle toured the United States to boost morale and promote war bonds. The nose art, in conjunction with the aircraft’s remarkable service record, turned the Memphis Belle into a wartime legend.
The Inspiration for the Artwork
The heavy bomber was named after pilot Robert K. Morgan’s sweetheart, Margaret Polk, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee. The nose art itself was inspired by a 1941 George Petty illustration in “Esquire” magazine. The original art on the Belle featured a seductive young woman dressed in a blue bathing suit, gracefully perched on her right leg. This artwork became synonymous with the aircraft and was a symbol of pride for the crew.
Robert Morgan stands in front of the Memphis Belle with Margaret Polk. Image courtesy of the Preservation and Special Collections Department, University Libraries, University of Memphis
Seeing Red
Yes, I realize in our featured image the Belle is wearing a red bathing suit. Originally, it was indeed blue when it first appeared on the aircraft. However, the color was changed to red when the plane was restored for display. The reason for this alteration is not entirely clear, and there’s no widely accepted or documented explanation for the color change.
It could be that the change was a result of an incorrect restoration or a decision made for aesthetic reasons. Some have speculated that the color change might have been made to make the artwork more visually striking or to more closely match a different version of the original Petty illustration.
Here is a detail from the original piece of art of a “Petty Girl” featured in the April 1941 edition of Esquire magazine. The title of this piece is, “I’m the one with the part in the back.”
The Original War Department Documentary
To shine some positive light on the war effort, The U.S. War Department sent Hollywood director William Wyler to create a documentary about the Memphis Belle, focusing on its 25-mission milestone. This brought the aircraft and its crew significant fame, overshadowing other B-17s that had achieved the same feat.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.